STADE FRANCAIS WING Josaia Raisuqe has been banned for 15 weeks following his gouge on CJ Stander in the French side’s 27-7 win over Munster last weekend.
The 21-year-old Fijian was red carded by referee Nigel Owens on the stroke of half time, after television match official Derek Bevan drew the Welshman’s attention to the incident.
At an independent disciplinary hearing in Paris today, judicial officer Simon Thomas of Wales found Raisuqe guilty of an intentional act of foul play under Law 10.4 (m) – contact with the eye(s) and/or eye area.
Thomas ruled that the offence was at the mid-range of the World Rugby sanctions and selected 18 weeks as the appropriate ban.
Three weeks were added “as a deterrent according to World Rugby’s memorandum regarding offences of this nature,” although Thomas then reduced the suspension by six weeks due to Raisuqe’s guilty plea, expression of remorse, inexperience and good conduct at the hearing.
Raisuqe is therefore banned for 15 weeks and may return to play on Monday, 9 May 2016. The player and his club are entitled to appeal the decision.
I brought a small fm radio with me to Landsdown rd last night so I could have his commentary in one ear. He’s truly unbelievable.
Always enjoy listening to him. He is passionate and knowledge. Ireland’s voice of rugby.
Fantastic. I brought a small fm radio with me to Landsdown rd last night so I could listen to him, he unbelievable.
when will ryle nugent step aside for this guy.. i know he is the rte sports boss but he must realise this guy is BOSS
I like Nugent. Corcoran however is magic commenting on a game but he’s made for radio.